A pretty bumpy narrow road to Col de Bleine in the Provence
France, europe
38.2 km
1,439 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Bleine
Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, Col de Bleine sits at a breezy 1,439 meters (4,721 feet) above sea level in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This is seriously one of the gems of the area.
The D5 Road stretches a satisfying 38.2 km (23.73 miles) from Saint-Auban to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, running north-south through some seriously gorgeous Alpine scenery. Fair warning: it's a proper climb with an average gradient of about 6%, so your calves (and brakes) will definitely feel it.
Here's the thing—the road is fully paved, which is great, but it's narrow in spots and a bit bumpy in places. You'll navigate some tight hairpins along the way, and honestly, it feels like navigating a single-track road at times. But that's kind of the charm, really. This pass is refreshingly quiet with minimal traffic, letting you soak in the stunning landscape without constant interruption.
If you're into exploring lesser-known mountain passes, this area is packed with small to medium-sized routes, and Col de Bleine ranks among the nicest of the bunch. It's the kind of drive that rewards you with incredible views and the peaceful vibe of a genuinely undiscovered corner of the Alps.
Where is it?
A pretty bumpy narrow road to Col de Bleine in the Provence is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.3667, 1.8981
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 38.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,439 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.3667, 1.8981
Related Roads in europe
hardThe road to Valdecebollas is not for the faint of heart
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hidden away in the Palencia province of Spain, inside the Fuentes Carrionas Natural Park, you'll find Valdecebollas peak. Getting to the top is a real off-road challenge – think super rocky, unpaved terrain that demands a high-clearance 4x4. The climb starts near Brañosera (Spain's oldest town!) and stretches for about 10.6 kilometers. Don’t let the distance fool you – you'll gain nearly a kilometer in elevation! Expect an average gradient of 9%, with some sections hitting almost 18%. Ouch! And if you're thinking of a winter trip, be prepared for snow and ice. At the summit, you're rewarded with insane panoramic views. There's also a cool stone tower marking the spot. On a clear day, you can spot Espigüete, Curavacas, the Aguilar de Campoo reservoir, and even the distant Picos de Europa mountains. Trust me, this one's for the bucket list!
moderateCan I drive on the 64Н-3 Road?
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure awaits on Sakhalin Island! 64Н-3 hugs the southwest coast for about 80 kilometers (almost 50 miles), running from Kholmsk, a bustling port town, down to the sleepy village of Shebunino. Think you can handle it? This isn't your average Sunday drive. Most of the road is unpaved, but usually passable in a normal car. Just be warned, you're heading into seriously remote territory. Pack extra supplies, and keep an eye out for thick fog rolling in off the sea. But hey, the payoff? Stunning coastal views that'll make you forget all about the bumpy ride. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
extremeHow is the road to Braña de Vega La Cueva?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've just tackled the Braña de Vega La Cueva, also known as Braña La Cueva, and you NEED to add it to your Spain itinerary. We're talking southern Asturias, right in the heart of Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting from a small village, you'll be crawling up, up, up into the Cantabrian Mountains, aiming for the gorgeous Lagunas de Canchongo, a small glacial lake. The 5.4 km road is mostly unpaved – think loose rock and dirt – with some seriously steep concrete ramps thrown in for good measure! And hold on tight, because there are 6 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. A high-clearance vehicle is a must here. Those central ruts on the dirt sections are no joke! Winter? Maybe not. This road is technically open year-round, but snow can shut it down for weeks. Plus, even a little rain turns the dirt into serious mud. Check the Quiros forecast before you go. The main challenges? Super steep gradients and, gulp, unprotected edges. The road's narrow, so be prepared to reverse if you meet another vehicle. Those concrete ramps? Treacherous if they're covered in wet leaves or frost! And watch out for free-roaming cows and horses. Heads up: once you leave Villamarcel, you're on your own. No services, no gas, no signal. Make sure your engine's cooling system is in tip-top shape because this climb is intense. And definitely pack a full-size spare tire – those sharp limestone rocks are tire-killers. Finally, if you make it to the lake, turn around ONLY in the designated areas to protect the environment. Enjoy the wild ride!
moderateWhere is Road DN73C?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, buckle up for DN73C in Romania's Argeș County, Muntenia region! This 73-kilometer (45-mile) adventure isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth asphalt on some sections – you'll be bouncing along on concrete blocks. And while you're wrestling with the road, feast your eyes on the views, especially near Costila Peak in the Bucegi Mountains. Just remember, this Transylvanian route isn't for the faint of heart!